HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Holden Beach kicked off vacation season with the annual Days at the Docks this weekend.

More than 50 arts & crafts vendors lined up under the bridge. A dozen food vendors set up and provided plenty of fried treats.

The free festival had live music and tournaments throughout the weekend.

Mayor Alan Holden says this year was bigger and better than ever.

“It’s just an opportunity for families to come down and get their beach houses ready,” he said. “The stores open up and get ready for the season, and it’s a good time to get over this bad weather we’ve been having. Everybody’s got beach fever.”

And of course the mayor tossed over the apples for the famous “bopple race.” Numbered boat apples are released over the bridge to float on the Intracoastal Waterway toward the finish line for a prize.